The playoffs are here and we’ve already had our first snow of the season. Yes, nothing says postseason time like the thick, white, fluffy stuff floating effortlessly to the ground in mid-October. And I’m not even talking about when I shave my beard. Speaking of, kudos to Columbia City coach Brett Fox and the Fighting Bearded Eagles on their epic, 25-24 victory over previously unbeaten Norwell last week. The last time CC finished 8-1 during the regular season was in 2010 under former coach Randy Hudgins. That Eagles squad lost to Bishop Dwenger, 50-7, in the sectional championship.
THE SWAMI SCALE
- CARROLL (9-0): Exactly where we started the season – with the Chargers atop Mount Swami.
- SNIDER (8-1): The Panthers move up a spot and will remain here for at least another week.
- NORTH SIDE (7-2): The Legends move up a spot and will remain here for at least another week.
- COLUMBIA CITY (8-1): C-city posted the biggest win of the 2022 season thus far at Norwell.
- NORWELL (8-1): The Knights need to put last week’s nightmare behind them and focus on 3A.
- BISHOP DWENGER (6-3): The Saints are quietly lurking, awaiting their rematch vs. the Panthers.
- ADAMS CENTRAL (9-0): Going forward, it will be imperative for AC to rest its two-way guys.
- EASTSIDE (7-2): Beastside went all beast mode last week with its dominant win over Angola.
- CHURUBUSCO (7-2): Busco is hoping for a shot against tradition-rich Bishop Luers next week.
- HOMESTEAD (5-4): A “down” season by Sparty standards, H-stead creeps back into my scale.
CLASS 4A (SECTIONAL 19)
EAST NOBLE (4-5) at ANGOLA (6-3): This one could go either way, but I’m taking the Knights in a mild upset.
SWAMI SAYS: East Noble by 2
SOUTH SIDE (0-9) at LEO (6-3): Leo is playing its best ball of the season and should take care of business tonight.
SWAMI SAYS: Leo by 33
NEW HAVEN (5-4) at DEKALB (3-6): The Air Show begins promptly at 7:00. Get your popcorn and seat early.
SWAMI SAYS: New Haven by 10
COLUMBIA CITY (8-1) at WAYNE (2-7): The injury to Jacob Sharin has me flip-flopping and taking the Eagles now.
SWAMI SAYS: Columbia City by 8
CLASS 4A (SECTIONAL 20)
HUNTINGTON NORTH (2-7) at MUNCIE CENTRAL (4-5): The Bearcats have won four straight after an 0-5 start.
SWAMI SAYS: Muncie Central by 14
WESTERN (5-4) at JAY COUNTY (2-7): Come on, Patriots! Let’s get an upset dub tonight at home.
SWAMI SAYS: Western by 27
CLASS 3A (SECTIONAL 26)
MISH. MARIAN (2-7) at WEST NOBLE (7-2): Typically, I’d be going with the Catlicks here. But not this time.
SWAMI SAYS: West Noble by 15
LAKELAND (3-6) at KNOX (6-3): If the Lakers can run successfully on first down, they’ll hang around here.
SWAMI SAYS: Knox by 23
FAIRFIELD (5-4) at JOHN GLENN (5-4): I’ll make this guarantee right now: the Falcons will definitely win this game.
SWAMI SAYS: John Glenn by 7
CLASS 3A (SECTIONAL 27)
NORWELL (8-1) at HERITAGE (6-3) Will the Knights replicate their Week 2 hammering of Heritage?
SWAMI SAYS: Norwell by 35
CONCORDIA (3-6) at WOODLAN (4-5): SAC vs. ACAC in this one, which tells me CLHS prevails.
SWAMI SAYS: Concordia by 18
BELLMONT (0-9) at GARRETT (2-7): The ‘Roaders ride dirty tonight as Koskie goes krazy.
SWAMI SAYS: Garrett by 26
CLASS 2A (SECTIONAL 35)
PRAIRIE HEIGHTS (2-7) at BISHOP LUERS (4-5): ‘We the Prairie’ chants won’t be enough for PH tonight.
SWAMI SAYS: Luers by 45
CHURUBUSCO (7-2) at CENTRAL NOBLE (2-7): The rematch should be closer this time around. Should be.
SWAMI SAYS: Churubusco by 38
EASTSIDE (7-2) at WABASH (3-6): Things are set up beautifully for the Beastsiders and another playoff run.
SWAMI SAYS: Eastside by 44
CLASS 2A (SECTIONAL 36)
BLUFFTON (5-4) at BLACKFORD (1-8): Bluffton, Blackford, blah, blah, blah. Blimey – give me the Tigers bigly.
SWAMI SAYS: Bluffton by 39
CLASS 1A (SECTIONAL 44)
FREMONT (3-6) at SOUTH ADAMS (7-2): The Starfires put this one on ice shortly after intermission.
SWAMI SAYS: South Adams by 37
ADAMS CENTRAL (9-0) at SOUTHWOOD (7-2): AC’s quest for a Class 1A state championship begins tonight.
SWAMI SAYS: Adams Central by 42
NORTHFIELD (4-5) at SOUTHERN WELLS (0-9): The Norsemen have a big night on the ground vs. SW.
SWAMI SAYS: Northfield by 35
